The Proper Method for Displaying Nursing Credentials: Why It Matters

As nurses, our professional identity is shaped by the dedication we put into our education, certifications, and clinical expertise. Yet, a common challenge many of us face is determining how to properly display our credentials after our names. This might seem small, but following the correct format ensures clarity, consistency, and respect for the nursing profession.

Why Is Credential Display Important?

Displaying credentials in the correct order provides a professional standard that:

• Shows your educational achievements and qualifications.

• Enhances public trust by communicating your expertise.

• Aligns with professional guidelines, maintaining consistency across the healthcare industry.

The Correct Order of Nursing Credentials

The American Association of Critical-Care Nurses (AACN) and other professional nursing organizations recommend listing your credentials in the following order:

1. Highest Degree Earned (Education)
Start with your highest nursing degree because it is a permanent credential. Examples include:

• PhD, DNP, EdD (Doctoral degrees)

• MSN, MN, MEd (Master's degrees)

• BSN, BA, BS (Bachelor's degrees)

If you have a DNP (a terminal nursing degree) you shoould not be including your MSN and BSN also. However if your Ph.D. is not in the discipline of nursing or have a doctoral degree such as an Ed.D. you should include your highest nursing degree (eg. Ed.D., MSN, RN, CCRN) Only your highest!

In the case of the ADN or Diploma nursing, you may see just the License “RN” as the credential and no degree posted.

2. Licensure
Next, list the nursing license that allows you to legally practice. The most common examples are:

• RN (Registered Nurse)

3. State Designations or Advanced Practice Licensure
If you hold advanced practice roles or state designations, list these next, such as:

• APRN (Advanced Practice Registered Nurse)

• NP (Nurse Practitioner)

• CNS (Clinical Nurse Specialist)

• CRNA (Certified Registered Nurse Anesthetist)

4. National Certifications
Certifications earned from recognized professional organizations follow your licensure. Examples include:

• CCRN (Critical-Care Registered Nurse)

• NPD-BC (Nursing Professional Development, Board Certified)

• CEN (Certified Emergency Nurse)

5. Awards and Honors
If applicable, include fellowships or honors, which reflect significant achievements in nursing:

• FAAN (Fellow of the American Academy of Nursing)

Putting It All Together: Examples

Using the proper order, here are a few examples:

1. Doctorally Prepared Nurse:
Ali R. Tayyeb, PhD, RN, NPD-BC, PHN, FAAN

• PhD: Highest degree

• RN: Licensure

• NPD-BC: National Certification

• PHN: State designation (Public Health Nurse)

• FAAN: Fellowship recognition

2. Master’s Prepared Nurse Practitioner:
Jane Smith, MSN, APRN, FNP-BC, CEN

• MSN: Highest degree

• APRN: Advanced Practice Licensure

• FNP-BC: Certification as Family Nurse Practitioner

• CEN: National Certification in Emergency Nursing

3. BSN-Prepared Nurse with Specialty Certification:
John Doe, BSN, RN, CCRN

• BSN: Highest degree

• RN: Licensure

• CCRN: National Certification for Critical Care

Avoiding Common Mistakes

1. Do not list credentials twice (e.g., RN-BC and RN).

2. Avoid including non-nursing degrees unless directly relevant to practice. (eg. your an administrator and have an MBA or a Public Health Nurse with MPH)

3. Always use official abbreviations for credentials.

4. DO NOT include certificates as part of your credentials! They are important to your professional growth and development, but they do not belong in your alphabet soup!

Although nurses new and experienced use a variety of reasons to display the RN first or use all their degrees, the reality is, by not following the profession’s standards they compromise the integrity of the profession. Displaying credentials appropriately reflects not only your accomplishments but also your commitment to professional standards. It communicates your qualifications with clarity and promotes recognition of nursing expertise across healthcare.

For more detailed guidance, visit the AACN's website or refer to your specific certification board’s guidelines.